Why does the working world/real world suck so bad?

Question

I graduated in May with a Bachelor's degree in Business. It's almost December and I've had NO LUCK AT ALL. I can't even count the amount of places I've applied to, there's so many of them - law firms, marketing companies, travel agencies, everywhere. I read the job descriptions and, even if I don't have everything they're looking for, I apply anyway if I think I can handle the duties. At this point, I don't even care if it's not related directly to my field, I just want a damn job. The best is when they expect 5 years of experience for an entry level job. This is getting ridiculous, I don't know what to do anymore. My mom is getting on my case - and it's not like I'm not trying to find a job. I'm convinced there's just nothing out there.

Anyone else been through this or going through it now? What keeps you sane? Because I'm about to go crazy!!!

My school could care less about the Business majors. At my college, it was all about the Nursing and Education majors. If you weren't studying either of them, you pretty much got screwed over. Not to mention the fact that in my junior year the Business department got a new Dean who tried to mess around with the classes and schedules, and tweak the amount/specifics of classes we needed - everyone in my major was almost made to enroll for another year because of this guy!

Oh and I wanted to add that I did do an internship for one year. I've actually worked for a baseball team as a gameday employee for 5 years-then my boss brought me in as an intern when I told her I needed one. My school took care of the paperwork but I landed the internship on my own. Again, no help from the guidance/business departmen on that one.

Answer 1

It took me five months to find my first job out of college. And that was a customer service call center job I could have gotten without a bachelor's degree. I accepted the job to get my foot in the door, and it worked! Five months after starting I moved into the marketing department.

That's my first of three points. Companies prefer to higher from within for four-year degree positions. It benefits them because you're already on their books and you understand their culture. So, focus on just getting your foot in the door.

My second point is don't waste your time on positions where you don't meet all the qualifications -- even the preferred ones. You're one of probably hundreds of applicants and they don't have time to meet with those who don't meet every last qualification.

And the third point: Make sure you're cover letter is personalized to their company. Sing their praises about something they've achieved that's related to the position you're applying for. Generic letters hit the trash very fast.

Also, make sure you're resume is impeccable. Sell - sell - sell yourself, don't just list bullets of previous responsibilities. Quantify those responsibilites as much as you can. For example, I once managed a promotional program for a large insurance company. Instead of saying:

- Managed company promotional program

Say:

- Managed company promotional program with a budget of $150,000

You may want to pay a service to review your resume and/or letters. I'm thinking that since you haven't had any luck at all that your resume isn't getting through their screening process.

Try out these sites for jobs -- CollegeRecruiter.com, CollegeGrad.com, AfterCollege.com and your campuses page on Monster.com.

Good luck to you! I know how bad it sucks. Keep your head up!

Answer 2

Firstly, FOCUS. Focus on one or two fields that interest you. Employers can tell when you are JUST looking for a paycheck.

Next, talk to folks in the field. Do informational interviews if you can. Get advice from folks already in the field as to how you get in that field. They may have an entry level job just for you.

Next, go to the library (actually, before the last paragraph) and 1) take a personality test on what career would suit you, 2) research qualifications on certain fields, and 3) get books on how to get interviews, write cover letters and resumes. Don't take this valuable skill for granted! The resume/cover ltr get you the interview. Employers often screen you out by the look and read of your resume!

Next, research companies and target your resume to SPECIFIC PEOPLE (NOT HR!!) at these companies!

Next, MAKE FOLLOW UP CALLS once you send your resume. These books will tell you how to make effective follow up calls.

Finally, land the interview and make sure you prepare REALLY, REALLY well. Again, make sure you read books and practice interviewing with friends and family.

Also, even if you have to take a "low level" job... it is still a paycheck and it can still get you experience that you'll need for the next job. For instance, right out of college, I took a job as an admin asst in a drug company. I got promoted 3 times in the first 2 yrs! Then went back to law school and got an MBA too. I now make almost $110,000 per year in my field. I could not have done it without starting somewhere. Even if you have to work in a warehouse or retail store, you can always move up to management or go back to school and get more education.
Good luck!

Answer 3

It's tough if you don't have an internship. But you have to be flexible and not expect too much so soon. What industry do you want to work in? A lot of people find jobs through friends. You could get a job as a teller at a bank and work your way up. You could work for the government or the FDIC if you have enough accounting credits.

The CEO of Rite Aid Mary Sammons had a degree in French and taught French but then she worked at the Fred Meyer grocery store chain and was eventually promoted to corporate and became CEO of Fred Meyer. Once you get in work hard, come in early, leave late and get yourself noticed. You should go back to your school and use their career center.

Answer 4

I don't have a college education and I'm going through the same thing. It's almost like I'm being forced to do something I hate and considered a last resort. I've wondered myself how employers can specify a degree as a requirement, yet still only offer $25K yearly? How many well educated people would settle for 25K a year? Even I made more than that just 6 months ago

Answer 5

Start your own business. Find a job in the meantime to get buy and save money. Come up with an orginal idea or use somebody elses and tweak it. What are your interests, hobbies, passions? Just because you have your degree doesn't mean you have to work for some corporation. Most people that end up working for somebody else will regret it in the end. It may pay the bills but there is more to life than money.

Answer 6

Keep looking. It's tough right now to find a professional entry level job, because many people have been laid off and are competing for the same jobs. You might have to take a job in retail or fast food or something like that in the meantime to get some money coming in while you continue to look.

Your college placement office might have some leads.

Good luck.

Answer 7

Such work includes employee development and training, consulting, merchandising, banking, customer service and office work. Banking and consulting earn the highest salaries and customer service and office work the lowest.
When employers ask, 'Why should I hire you?' they want to hear about outstanding characteristics, "They're not looking so much for what you know as what you can do--social and interpersonal skills, critical thinking, working collaboratively on teams, showing persistence and initiative, oral and writing skills."
Use all the resources available to you. Stay abreast of information by regularly reading business publications and other trade-reading business publications and trade specific materials. Also visit your campus career services office to research companies and the areas in which they are located.